Cuttings acquired through the British Newspaper Archive ©2018 Findmypast.
Hampshire Advertiser 30th April 1870
WOODGREEN – A very singular skull has been dug up in a garden by a man named Herrington. Many persons, including gentlemen who have taken considerable interest in archaeological curiosities, have seen it, but all are at a loss as to the creature of which this was the head.
The Salisbury and Winchester Journal, March 23rd, 1844
EMIGRATION: Agricultural labourers and mechanics desirous of proceeding to CANADA or any of the COLONIES, under the improved regulations established by the Government, may obtain information, and instructions for their guidance (free of expense) by applying to Mr Hill, Redlynch, near Downton.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 27th November 1852
THE FLOOD – The meadows and low lands about this place as far as the eye can reach are completely covered with water. Between Breamore and Woodgreen the road is so completely inundated that a boat plys between the two places.
The Salisbury Times, 10th August 1900
LOSS BY LIGHTNING – During the heavy thunderstorm, some few days since, a shorthorn dairy cow belonging to Mr E. Witt, of Sandle Farm, was found in the field struck by lightning. Mr Witt was fortunately insured.
“It Happened in Hampshire”, 1936
An old inhabitant says “Woodgreen was once a terrible wild place, lots of poachers and gypsies, all fond of fighting. If any lads came on from Downton, Breamore, or Godshill, there was sure to be a scrap…”
The Salisbury Times, 2nd October, 1886
On Saturday, the 14th inst., as a wagon loaded heavily with young oak trees was passing over Breamore-bridge, the hurricane (which did considerable damage in this neighbourhood) lifted the load with the wagon, excepting the fore-wheels, completely over the bridge, carrying the whole a considerable distance into the middle of the river, the horses sustaining no injury whatever.
Western Gazette, 27th December 1929
Move Against Fordingbridge Rural Council: The protracted dispute between certain ratepayers at Woodgreen and the Fordingbridge Rural District Council over the refusal of the Council to take over and repair the Woodgreen Common road was brought to a head on Friday, when it was stated at the monthly meeting of the Council that a summons is being issued on the Council by the solicitors acting for the ratepayers.
Western Gazette, 27th December 1929
The Council decided to raise no objection to the application which is being made for the acquisition of a piece of common land on Hatchett Green, Hale, for the erection of a village hall.
The Salisbury Times and South Wilts Gazette, 24th February, 1893
THE DESTRUCTION OF BREAMORE BRIDGE – The new bridge over the shallow, which was on the point of being completed in the course of a few weeks, has been destroyed. Two of the arches gave way on Sunday, and the third fell on Tuesday. The cause of the fall is said to be the sinking of the main pier. The loss will fall on the contractor.
Hampshire Advertiser, 11th January 1862
FORDINGBRIDGE – On Thursday a fellow giving his name as John Peatus, was brought up in custody before Mr John Coventry, on a charge of being found sleeping in an outhouse at Woodgreen, and committed as a rogue and vagabond to Winchester gaol for fourteen days’ hard labour.
With reference to the “Emigration” snippet” above my ancestors on my Father’s side,Joseph and Mary Mussell, lived in Downton at this time. A few years later they “emigrated” to Southampton. As they were lowly agricultural labourers, and moved to labouring on the coal wharf in Southampton’s newly opened docks, I am convinced they move for economic reasons. Who knows, they might have gone to Canada instead!